Whether you’re wanting an all-inclusive luxury resort, self-catering apartments, or an island-style hideaway, there’s a variety of accommodation options to choose from on Lord Howe Island.
Measuring just 11 kilometres long and around 2.8 kilometres at its widest point, and with visitor numbers restricted to just 400 people at any one time, you might think Lord Howe Island doesn’t have much to offer in terms of accommodation.
The good news is that there’s a range of places to stay during a visit to this UNESCO World Heritage-listed destination, with most offering airport transfers, restaurant pick-ups, and wi-fi.
Here are some of the best Lord Howe Island accommodations to enjoy in between exploring the island.
1. The Cabin
Built with love by 6th generation Lord Howe Islander, Jess Owens and partner, Cameron, The Cabin is Lord Howe Island’s newest accommodation offering and its first fully off-grid retreat, set on five acres of untouched bushland, tucked away behind the family home and farm.
Getting back to nature doesn’t have to mean roughing it either, with The Cabin providing unlimited wi-fi, a luxury indoor bathtub, premium toiletries, plush bedding and furniture, and a welcome hamper packed with gourmet produce – think freshly laid eggs, baked sourdough, organic wines, and honey straight from the hive.
Perfect for couples, solo travellers, and outdoor enthusiasts, guests will love The Cabin’s outdoor rainwater shower, firepit, complimentary bikes, and private bush track leading to a secluded beach with use of kayaks included.
2. Pinetrees Lodge
A long-time favourite on Lord Howe Island, Pinetrees Lodge never gets old. As one of the longest-running family businesses in Australia, the lodge rests on land that’s been occupied by the family since their arrival on the island in 1848.
With a small collection of stylish rooms, suites and cottages, accommodation at Pinetrees Lodge has been regularly updated to provide guests with an elegant and comfortable stay.
Though you won’t find wi-fi and TV here (they’re intentionally excluded), there are endless nature-based and social activities to keep you occupied in this all-inclusive style lodge, with offerings that include shared facilities, yoga, guided tours, and culinary packages.
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3. Ocean View Apartments
An oldie but a goodie, Ocean View Apartments is one of Lord Howe Island’s original accommodation offerings. With 120 years’ worth of history, the apartments are conveniently located near the centre of town and the island’s main swimming spot, Lagoon Beach.
With their self-catered style, the units come complete with bedding, towels and cooking utensils, plus access to a games room, and the only full-size swimming pool on the island, that’s recently been renovated. Also included in a stay, is the use of outdoor equipment like paddleboards and snorkel gear from Ocean View’s boat house located at the lagoon foreshore.
Another feather in the property’s cap is the recent addition of its on-site restaurant, Driftwood. Specialising in Asian fusion, Driftwood Bar and Restaurant is a local favourite, as is Ocean View Apartments’ new coffee bar which operates daily from 7am-9am.
4. Bowker Beach House
If you want somewhere all for yourself, Bowker Beach House is for you. Hidden away amongst native forest, yet centrally located, this contemporary one-bedroom beach house with its Instagram aesthetic comes with wrap-around timber decking, plus all mod cons and comforts like heated towel rails, coffee machine, Bose Bluetooth speakers, and fast wi-fi.
Perfect for lovers of indoors and outdoors, Bowker Beach House has an extensive library, boardgames, and selection of movies on a streaming service, plus it’s equipped with complimentary paddleboards, yoga mats and bicycles.
5. Lagoon Landing
Though Lagoon Landing isn’t new, the two one-bedroom beach-style bungalows located near the central lagoon have undergone a refresh recently when current owners, Kylie and Rahnie Owens took over the business a few years ago.
Having spent their childhood living here, the Owens sisters have a nostalgic connection to the property, while their modern touches to the self-catered style cottages include cosy beach-chic style furniture, decorations and linens.
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6. Capella Lodge
One of five Bailie Lodges within Australia and nine throughout the world, Capella Lodge is Lord Howe Island’s most premium resort, with its enviable position near the base of the island’s iconic twin peaks.
Consisting of 9 barefoot luxury suites connected to the main pavilion via boarded walkways and lush garden areas, guests can enjoy spectacular views of the coral reef plus Mounts Gower and Lidgebird from their accommodation, with some suites equipped with private hot tubs and plunge pools. There is also an onsite spa.
Inclusions here comprise of gourmet breakfast, in-suite bar, sunset drinks and canapes, an open bar from 6pm, and dinner matched with premium wines in the resort’s restaurant.
7. Island House
One of Lord Howe Island’s most recent accommodation options and certainly its most exclusive, is Island House. Comprised of two separate architecturally designed houses filled with museum-quality art, Danish mid-century furniture, high-fidelity sound systems, and kitchen full of produce grown on-site plus imported artisanal goods. Island House is set upon spacious grounds amid a forest of Kentia palms and old banyan trees.
Specialising in curated packages, Island House offers your own private chef and on-site manager to plan your island itinerary perfectly. Additions include a transit room for use as a flexible space and an adventure room stocked with high-quality outdoor adventure equipment. Best suited for whole-site bookings.
8. Arajilla Retreat
With a collection of 12 luxurious suites amid lush surrounds, ranging from its 1-bedroom Kentia Suite to its 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom Blue Peter Beach House, Arajilla Retreat is located on the sheltered northern end of the island, behind Old Settlement Beach.
The resort continues to be one of the island’s most popular high-end stays, with its packages including gourmet breakfast, light lunch, drinks and canapes in the resort’s bar lounge, plus a 3-course dinner in the restaurant. With its menu changing daily, Arajilla’s dedicated chefs prepare meals with organic produce from the resort’s kitchen garden, fresh island seafood, plus a selection of quality produce from the mainland. Complimentary bicycles and snorkel gear are also included for exploring the island further.
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